For the bals masqués of honest people, and the Opera balls, there is only the disguise of the Domino, strictly speaking. More or less of the costumes of Harlequins, Pierrots, Pulchinellos, coquettish peasants that were worn in great quantities in times long passed; more or less of the costumes of Old Men, Mendians, Podagres, Blind Men, Turks, the Chinese, or other grotesque disguises with which a thousand offenses have been permitted, or a thousand unpleasant scenes; all these accoutrements are relegated to the balls of City dance masters, and even to the balls of La Courtille or the Grand-Salon. Only Dominos serve for the beautiful and grand balls.

But which is worn? or instead, which color is worn, since they must all have nearly the same shape, and be of the same fabric (taffeta)? That is what we must say. Those that are worn the most this year are of canary’s-tail color. In previous years, black, puce, or other somber colors were worn; this year, bright colors are worn, or soft colors, pink, lilac, unbleached linen, violet, canary’s tail, poppy, white, etc. In previous years, they were worn trimmed with gauzes, ribbons, and garlands of artificial flowers. It is only masks which are put on the face which don’t change.

— from Cassidy Percoco’s translation of Magasin des Modes, 10e Cahier, Plate II, February 10, 1787